Systems Designer (Senior)

Velan Studios; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Velan Studios in Toronto, ON (hybrid role with in-studio days) is seeking a Principal Systems Designer to lead the design of an upcoming ARPG based on a premiere fantasy IP. You will shape player progression, balance, and systems across levels in collaboration with engineers and other designers.

You bring 6+ years in systems or balance design, a shipped RPG title, and strong scripting and data-analysis skills.

Qualifications

• Six-plus years in a systems or balance design role.
• At least one shipped RPG-style title.
• General scripting proficiency.
• Excellent cross-disciplinary communication.
• Strong ability to handle numerical data in spreadsheets.

Responsibilities

• Own player progression, skill-trees and game balance.
• Balance combat formulas across levels.
• Bridge combat design and item progression.
• Create and maintain high level paper designs.
• Drive iteration based on playtest feedback and game maturity.
• Implement key systems in partnership with engineering teams.

Skills

Systems design

Balance design

RPG systems

Scripting

Communication

Data analysis

Lead design

OO programming

Job description

From dodgeball in the streets to racetracks in your living room, we've always been more interested in asking "what if?" than following a roadmap. Whether we're dreaming up a chaotic game of hide & seek in the dark or putting a legendary space fox back in the pilot's seat, that inventor's mindset runs through everything we do. We make games for people who appreciate craft and a little bit of magic. If you're curious, you'll be in good company.

Are you an experienced systems designer with experience in RPGs? Are you able to turn player fantasies into compelling stats, skills and systems? If you are comfortable with architecting and fine-tuning systems at the intersection of numerical formulas, creative goals and gameplay balance we would like to talk to you! Velan Studios is looking for a Principal Systems Designer to help lead our journey in creating a new ARPG based on a premiere fantasy IP.

Responsibilities

• Your duties will include ownership of player progression, skill-trees and game balance
• Creation and balance of combat formulas across player levels
• Be the bridge between combat design and item progression
• Create and maintain high level paper designs
• Drive iteration based on playtest feedback and game maturity
• Implementing key systems in partnership with engineering teams.

Requirements

• 6+ years of experience in a systems design or balance design role
• At least one shipped title with RPG-style systems
• General scripting proficiency
• Excellent cross-disciplinary communication skills
• Proficiency in handling numerical data in spreadsheets and data tables

Big Plusses

• Experience in previous lead design roles
• Familiarity with programming in object-oriented languages

This is a hybrid or onsite position. Hybrid is 3 days a week in studio - Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. Our studios are located in Troy, NY & Toronto, ON.

The salary for this position is typically within the range specified below per year. Please note that the actual base pay may vary based on factors such as your qualifications, skills, experience, and other relevant considerations.
US Salary Range:

• Senior $80,000. -$115,000. USD

Canada Salary Range:

• Senior $75,000. - $110,000. CAD
  

Velan Studios is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you are excited about a role, but your experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to submit a General Application. Velan Studios is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion, diversity, and providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. We seek to create a work culture that matches the diversity of our players.